Development, structure, and secretion of leaf colleters in Clusia criuva Cambess. subsp. criuva (Clusiaceae)

Colleters produce a secretion composed of hydrophilic and/or lipophilic substances which lubricates and protects the shoot apical meristem against biotic abiotic agents. Little attention has been given to these structures in Clusiaceae. In present study, structure development leaf colleters Clusia criuva subsp. were described variations exudate composition at different stages identified. The samples collected processed according techniques for light scanning electron microscopy. are standard type not vascularized, during development, changes color, structure, abundance observed. Asynchrony was noticeable primordia young leaves, from early formation those senescence. phases there an polysaccharide, lipid, protein secretions, whereas adult senescent leaves revealed accumulation phenolic compounds cell degradation. released by rupture cuticle. structural emphasize role protecting meristems developing organs.